The New York Jets are 3-11, and with not much to play for this season, the final three weeks will be geared towards preparing for the future.
Earlier in the week, Aaron Glenn fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after a rough showing in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. One day later, the Jets are making another decision to part ways with someone, this time, a wide receiver.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Jets are cutting ties with former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard. The $44 million receiver is in the final year of his deal, and now will head to waivers as he looks to join a contender.
Jets release former Packers WR in final year of $44 million deal
"Sources: #Jets are releasing WR Allen Lazard at his request," Schultz reports. "An intriguing WR addition to the FA market."
There are bound to be a few teams interested in Lazard as he hits the open market. The Packers, who might've just lost Christian Watson, are one potential landing spot.
Reuniting with Aaron Rodgers on the Pittsburgh Steelers is also an option, especially since they've been searching for wide receiver help this season.
Lazard and the Jets mutually agreed to this release, paving the way for the veteran receiver to land on a new team to finish out the regular season, and potentially make an impact in the playoffs.
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The 30-year-old receiver was in his third season with the Jets, and through 10 games active, he had just 10 receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown.
In 2023, his first year with the Jets, Lazard had 23 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown, and in year two with Rodgers, he caught 37 receptions for 530 yards and six touchdowns.
He never lived up to the $44 million contract the Jets gave him to pair with Rodgers, and his departure begins to make the shift towards the future.
Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie will get the main wide receiver snaps, as both could factor into the Jets' wide receiver room in 2026 and beyond. But Lazard, who's now released, will be on a new team in the coming days.
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